indisciplinato
The English word unruly is translated into Italian as indisciplinato.
The term indisciplinato can be used to describe someone who is unruly or undisciplined.
Meaning: wild (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix in- functions as a negation, similar to the English prefix "un-".
Which one should you use?
While indisciplinato refers to a lack of discipline or order, selvaggio (wild) is used for untamed animals or nature.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its ending to -a to agree with a feminine noun (indisciplinata) and to -i to agree with a masculine plural noun (indisciplinati).
Did you know?
- To describe 'unruly hair', Italians avoid indisciplinato and instead use ribelle, which literally means 'rebel'.
- While indisciplinato describes a lack of order, Italians use the word scatenato for someone who is 'unruly' in a high-energy or ecstatic way, which literally means 'unchained'.
- The word disciplina in indisciplinato shares a root with the English word 'disciple', coming from the Latin 'discipulus', meaning a learner.
Examples in context
- Maria ha dovuto affrontare degli studenti indisciplinati durante la lezione.Maria had to deal with unruly students during the class.
- La situazione nella sala riunioni è diventata incontrollabile.The situation in the meeting room became unruly.
- I bambini erano completamente scatenati nel parco giochi.The children were completely unruly at the playground.
- Quei monelli hanno tirato delle palle di neve sul marciapiede.Those unruly kids threw snowballs on the sidewalk.
- Quel cavallo è molto indisciplinato.That horse is very unruly.
- Non amo il suo spirito indisciplinato.I don't like his unruly spirit.
- È un animale indisciplinato e difficile da addestrare.It is an unruly animal and difficult to train.
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are discussing a puppy they just adopted.
- MatteoIl cucciolo è davvero indisciplinato oggi.The puppy is really unruly today.
- GiuliaSì, è molto vivace e dispettoso.Yes, he is very lively and mischievous.
- MatteoDobbiamo educarlo con pazienza.We must educate him with patience.
- GiuliaHai ragione, Matteo.You are right, Matteo.
